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This selection of repertoire recommendations for a choral society consists of pieces that could make up an entire concert either on their own, or as a combination to create an interesting, varied programme. Most are accompanied by orchestra but could also work equally well with organ.
Bach’s Christmas Oratorio is a true Baroque masterpiece. A series of six self-contained but linked cantatas, each part covers one element of the Christmas story. Similarly to the passions, the Evangelist (Tenor soloist) tells the story using text from the gospels of St Luke and St Matthew. The drama is enhanced by soloists performing the roles of the Angel (Part II) and Herod (Part VI). The chorus also contribute, singing the parts of the heavenly host, the shepherds, the Wise men and providing a commentary throughout in the form of chorals. The Christmas Oratorio is a large scale work for soloists, Choir and orchestra.
Benjamin Britten’s Saint Nicolas was written in 1948, scored for mixed choir, tenor soloist, strings, piano duet, organ and percussion. This dramatic cantata, in nine scenes, portrays the character of St Nicholas (Tenor soloist) and tells the legendary incidents in the life of the Saint, of children, seamen and travelers. The choir transforms itself into the various characters, eye-witnesses and importantly, ties the story together. The inclusion of audience participation at specific moments along with the challenging but highly rewarding choral nature of St Nicholas makes this a very popular choice for a Choral Society. Lasting 45 minutes it would be the ideal back bone of a Christmas concert.
John Rutter’s Gloria is frequently performed around the world. The Latin text is drawn from the Mass and Rutter bases the music on one of the Gregorian chants associated with the words. The accompaniment is for brass ensemble with timpani, percussion and organ. The Gloria is a very approachable work, perfect for choral societies of any size and the three movements last less than 20 minutes in total, ideal as part of any concert.
Poulenc’s Gloria scored for Soprano solo, Chorus and Orchestra consists of six relatively short movements. The Gloria is one of Poulenc's most appealing choral works combining beautiful organ-like harmonies and yearning melodies with a lively, animated and almost cheeky character. ‘When I wrote this piece’, Poulenc famously recalled, ‘I had in mind those frescoes by Gozzoli where the angels stick out their tongues; and also some serious Benedictine monks I had once seen revelling in a game of football.’ Less than 25 minutes long, the Gloria is challenging but very rewarding and would satisfy any choral society. Although it is scored for Orchestra, it also works well when performed with Organ. An interesting and slightly unusual addition to your Christmas Programme.
In Terra Pax (subtitled ‘Christmas Scene’) was almost the last piece that Finzi wrote. It is scored for Baritone and Soprano soloists, Chorus and Orchestra. In it Finzi juxtaposes two verses from Robert Bridges’ poem, ‘Noel: Christmas Eve, 1913’ (set for the Baritone) with St Luke’s account of the angels’ appearance to the shepherds (set for the Soprano and Chorus). The choral part is mostly in four parts with some doubling, particularly for the sopranos and tenors however, the individual lines are not technically demanding and would suit choirs of all sizes. This is a miniature masterpiece and, lasting approximately 15 minutes, a wonderfully attractive centre-piece for a Christmas concert.
The Fantasia on Christmas Carols is based on four traditional carols; The Truth sent from above, Come all you worthy gentlemen, On Christmas Night (The Sussex Carol) and There is a fountain, together with fragments of other carols. It is scored for solo Baritone, SATB choir, full orchestra with organ or piano making this a flexible addition to any Christmas programme. It is a short (10 minutes) serene piece which perfectly creates the atmosphere of Christmas.
Poulenc’s 4 motet pour le Temps de Noel celebrate the events of the Christmas story using texts traditionally associated with the Gregorian chants set for Christmas and the Epiphany. The motets are harmonically and technically challenging but they are well worth the effort. Together they make 12 minutes of contrasting moods with an uplifting and festive finale.
Christmas in Blue is a selection of 16 choral Christmas pieces. Some written in a close harmony style, some Blues and some which are quite simply full of beautiful harmonies. All are wonderful alternatives to the traditional Christmas carol. The composers include Nigel Short (former King’s Singer), Carol Canning (former Swingle Singer), Ward Swingle, Christopher Norton and Will Todd. Whatever your requirements whether it be a couple of shorter pieces to lighten the mood, an encore or an evening of fun Christmas music, Christmas in Blue provides a choral society with a variety of suitable music.
Follow the star is a collection of nine popular Christmas songs in close harmony, arranged by Peter Gritton. Including classics such as Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Winter Wonderland and Santa Claus is Coming to Town. The songs are written for SATB, with divisions and are ideal for small groups and large choral societies. The arrangements are musically satisfying and not technically challenging. These songs could be sung as a set, used as individual delights or even as an encore. Give your audience a light hearted Christmas treat.
—Charlotte Mobbs
Charlotte Mobbs is in great demand as a choral/consort singer, regularly performing with The Sixteen, The Monteverdi Choir and the Gabrieli Consort. She also has a busy diary singing as a soloist in venues around the country. In her spare time Charlotte works with the National Youth Choir of Great Britain.
Visit Charlotte Mobbs at www.charlottemobbs.com.
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